Celebrating the end of a record year for Green Spaces

Green Spaces is celebrating almost six years of being online. 2012 has been a record year in sales for me (evidenced by LESS blogging!) since becoming licensed for a second time at the beginning of the real estate crash (crap timing, I know). I also spent 2007-2010 as right hand to two different broker owners, and not focusing on sales – instead my specialty is compliance (file administration and keeping people in line with the law from a paper perspective), marketing, and social media. Two years ago the broker I was working for essentially went under, so I began full time sales – and it is true, it takes 18-24 months to get up to full steam. I have been licensed to sell real estate for a total of ELEVEN years (1998-2002, 2007-2012), but much of that time I am working on other real estate related projects.

As 2012 melds into 2013, I am faced with the prospect of a major relocation, from Seattle to Orange County in Southern California. My husband is being considered for a job there and it is a 50/50 chance we will be moving before the end of January (there is one other final applicant competitor). I admit, I started this ball rolling as I have lived my entire life in the Puget Sound area and even I can get sick of rain after 8 months straight of it. A move will also give me the opportunity to remake my own career. I will study to get my CA real estate license but I may not go into sales there, waiting to see if marketing or property management opportunities become available, or finally take the step I’ve been trying to figure out for awhile – how to leverage my experiences in real estate and GREEN into a job in the new green economy. I’ve been thinking about solar sales for awhile, and this would be an opportunity to change gears.

Today I am also celebrating my 15th wedding anniversary with my husband Stephen (and tomorrow, 16 years since the day we met sitting outside of a Starbucks and smoking cigarettes – ironically we quit smoking the first year we were married and caffeine too about 5 years ago)), and I wanted to share this awesome mashup from DJ Schmolli (discovered through the movie Pitch Perfect) to celebrate LOVE of all kinds all over the world. What we need is love, more love, to make the world a better place. I am hoping for more love for the world in 2013.

Happy New Year.

Zombie Apocalypse Survival House Walk Through Tour (VIDEO)

I don’t miss a beat at just past 9 minutes when my dog hurtles herself over the side of the hammered copper soaking tub in the master bath. Worth watching just for that!

I don’t do narrated tours much anymore, as they are not as professional as slide shows to music, but with out of state buyers interested in the property it seemed the right thing to do.

All electric Fiat 500e is TOO CUTE! And so green even in orange. Available in California in 2013



2013 Fiat 500e Recharges The Electric Vehicle (via Clean Technica)

  Fiat is planning on introducing the all-new 2013 Fiat 500e in the second quarter of 2013, and the company believes that this new small car “electrifies the next chapter of the brand’s legacy by embodying the FIAT brand’s simple, purposeful and fun-to-drive values – through iconic style,…

Continue reading All electric Fiat 500e is TOO CUTE! And so green even in orange. Available in California in 2013

Seattle’s ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE SURVIVAL HOUSE is open Sunday 12:30-3:30 pm

The only thing missing from this house is bars on the windows (and sans apocalypse, that is a good thing).

On the surface it looks like a cute 1918 Craftsman in West Seattle. But peek below the surface and you will be impressed by the uniqueness of this property. It’s not for everyone – this is an eclectic and fun 1918 Arts and Crafts Movement home that has stood the test of time and offers forward-thinking “green” upgrades. 2+ bedrooms (used to be three, can be returned to three) and large studio space (in former garage) allow the occupants to live large with a very small carbon foot print. It has something for everyone – for the green at heart and also the traditionalist. New 200 amp electrical service for quick charging the electric vehicle or powering other hobbies (kiln?) The Master Suite addition offers luxury, comfort, and a unique place to relax. People just drool over the images of this bathroom! Let them be envious for a reason.

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES
New 40 year roof
New Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling system with remotes
Prewired for use with backup generator (comes with sale)
Two EPA certified wood burning stoves with cook tops
European Master Suite -Sun-Mar composting toilet (and a regular bathroom too)
Graywater system with 300 gallon cistern serves master bath
Energy Star appliances (all appliances stay)
Property backs to the West Seattle Golf Course and sits above Longfellow Creek

Featured in Curbed Seattle with this recommendation: “Consider this 2-BR home a $285K investment in your future, post-apocalyptic or otherwise.”
(http://seattle.curbed.com/archives/2012/11/bring-on-zombie-apocalypse-this-west-seattle-house-can-take-it.php)

Online video tour
Online flyer

Come look at this property up close, admire the Master Suite and the gigantic hammered copper soaking tub, and meet me, Wendy Hughes-Jelen, Green Real Estate Specialist, EcoBroker, and Realtor. Let’s talk green homes!